Sea cucumber bioinformatic services to Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd.

Chief Investigator

The sandfish, (Holothuria scabra) is a highly prized seafood, otherwise known as sea cucumber, trepang or Bech-de-mer. Sea cucumbers have traditionally been harvested across northern Australia by Macassan fishermen since the 1700s and the fishery was likely an important source of trade for Aboriginal groups across the north. Today, Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd is the largest producer of sea cucumber products in Australia and is investing in ways to sustainably increase production. One such strategy involves release of cultured juveniles into the wild. This project will use population genetics to assess the effectiveness of this approach. In addition, Tasmanian Seafoods Pty Ltd in conjunction with DPIRD WA isinterested to investigate stock structure of Holothuria scabra. This is required in order to obtain Marine Stewardship Council certification of the fishery.

01 Feb 2024 - 31 Dec 2024

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